This view of mine may turn out, of course, to be quite wrong; but let us at least put it to the test.

I can easily get leave of absence for a few days.

Let me take your letter to Bingen tomorrow, and see with my own eyes how it is received." At last I was fortunate enough to deserve my aunt's approval.

"An excellent suggestion," she said.

"But--I believe I have caught the infection of your prudence, David--don't let us tell Madame Fontaine.